| 主权项 |
1. A vehicle cross-support member for positioning in a generally transverse orientation to a length of a vehicle, the cross-support member comprising a jointed portion extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, wherein the jointed portion comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member mechanically coupled to the first elongated member,
the first elongated member comprising a first body portion extending longitudinally from the first end to an axially open socket end portion, wherein the socket end portion comprises an inwardly tapering sidewall portion and a reduced diameter engagement barrel integral with the tapering sidewall portion, the engagement barrel extending longitudinally from the tapering sidewall portion to define an axially open end and an inner engagement surface, and the second elongated member comprising a second body portion extending longitudinally from the second end to a mating end portion, wherein the mating end portion comprises:
an insertion rod sized for fitted placement into the axially open end, the insertion rod comprising an outer engagement surface for frictional engagement with the inner engagement surface in a mechanically coupled position;an annular seating flange extending generally outwardly from the insertion rod for seated engagement with an inner surface of the tapering sidewall portion; andan annular abutment flange formed adjacent to the insertion rod, the abutment flange being engageable with the engagement barrel to limit axial movement of the mating end portion inwardly through the axially open end, wherein in the mechanically coupled position, said frictional engagement between the insertion rod and the engagement barrel fixedly secures the first and second elongated members in a weldless connection. |
